How to do unemployment online Washington ESD - confused about the whole process

Thanks! Do I need exact dates or will approximate months work? I worked a few different temp jobs through an agency.

Try to be as exact as possible with dates. For temp agency work, you'll list the agency as your employer and include the client companies in the job description section.

Good point about the corporate address. I only have my supervisor's contact info, will that work?

You'll need the actual business address for filing. Check your paystubs or W-2 for the correct employer information.

What happens if I miss filing a weekly claim? Can I go back and file it later?

you can usually file late claims but it might delay your payments. better to just set a reminder to file every sunday

What kind of job search activities do I need to do? Is there a minimum number per week?

You need to complete 3 job search activities per week. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, or doing approved training activities. Keep detailed records in your WorkSourceWA account.

Wait I thought it was 2 job searches per week? When did they change it to 3?

It's been 3 activities per week for regular UI claims since mid-2023. Some people might qualify for reduced requirements depending on their situation.

Is that legit? I'm always suspicious of third-party services when it comes to government stuff.

Yeah it's legitimate. They don't handle your claim or ask for personal info - they just help you get through to an actual ESD agent when the phone lines are jammed. Saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.

I've heard of Claimyr too. My coworker used them when she had an overpayment issue that needed sorting out. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person at ESD.

Good tip about screenshots. Should I print them out or just save them digitally?

I save digital copies and email myself the important confirmation numbers. Printing is fine too but make sure you don't lose them.

I might pick up some gig work while looking for full-time. How does that affect my benefits?

You can work part-time and still get partial benefits. Just report all earnings honestly when you file your weekly claim. ESD will calculate how much to reduce your payment.

Exactly right. It's better to work part-time and report it than to not work at all. The earnings deduction formula usually lets you keep some benefits even with part-time income.

Did you eventually get it sorted out? I'm worried about technical issues delaying everything.

yeah finally got through but it took like 2 extra weeks. try filing early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are on the system

What kind of separation documents do they usually want?

Depends on your situation. Could be your termination letter, layoff notice, or documentation about why you left your job. If you were fired they might want details about the circumstances.

Can I change to direct deposit later if I forget to set it up initially?

Yes you can change it later in your eServices account but there might be a delay processing the change. Better to set it up from the start.

How is the weekly amount calculated? Is it based on my last job's salary?

its based on your earnings over the past year in covered employment. washington esd uses a formula that looks at your highest earning quarter

That's exactly what I'm afraid of! How long are you supposed to wait before contacting them?

From what I've read you should get a monetary determination within 1-2 weeks. If it's been longer than that something might be stuck in the system.

This is exactly when Claimyr comes in handy. When your claim seems stuck and you can't get through the regular phone lines, they can help you reach someone at ESD to check what's going on.

What happens if you miss the appeal deadline? Are you just stuck with their decision?

You can request a late appeal but you need good cause for the delay. It's much better to appeal on time if you disagree with something.

What counts as valid proof of job search activities?

Screenshots of job applications, emails from employers, attendance certificates from job fairs or workshops. Anything that shows you actually did the activity on the date you claim.

Generally 1099 contractors don't qualify for regular unemployment benefits since no payroll taxes were paid. However, worker classification can be complex - you might want to consult with ESD about your specific situation.

Thanks, I'll look into that. The whole contractor vs employee thing is confusing in the gig economy.

What triggers an adjudication? Is it random or based on something specific?

Usually it's triggered by questions about your separation from employment, eligibility issues, or conflicts between what you reported and what your employer reported. Not random but not necessarily something you did wrong either.

This is another situation where Claimyr helped me out. My claim was in adjudication for 7 weeks and I couldn't get any updates through the normal channels. They helped me reach an adjudicator who explained exactly what was holding up my case.

How do overpayments happen if you're reporting everything correctly?

Sometimes there are data entry errors, miscommunication between agencies, or changes in your employer's reported information. The system isn't perfect unfortunately.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about starting the process now.

You're welcome! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues along the way. This community is pretty good about helping each other navigate the ESD system.